In the embrace of two great rivers, Ounasjoki and Kemijoki, a growing city strong in international trade, administration and education has taken form. Rovaniemi has always been a gateway to Lapland, and it served as the administrative centre of the Province of Lapland since 1938. Rovaniemi received city status in 1960. Later, the city and rural municipality were joined to form the new City of Rovaniemi in 2006.

Thanks to its location, Rovaniemi has grown naturally into the capital of Lapland with a pulse of its own that is suitably calming yet rousing – it is the beating heart of Lapland. Here, you can enjoy eight staggeringly different and equally beautiful seasons. At its best, nature is a source of strength and inspiration. Residents of Rovaniemi are urban people with a positive Laplandish spirit.
The city centre is surrounded by a vibrant countryside with numerous villages. This rural aspect is also a very natural and characteristic trait of Rovaniemi. Forests, mires, meadows, fields and small lakes form an image of Lapland and Rovaniemi, whose appearance and nature change with the seasons creating new kinds of atmospheres.

Within ten kilometres of the city centre, you can find undisturbed nature and a busy international airport. The colours of Rovaniemi speak to Finland and Europe about a northern and Arctic culture and people that are perfectly adapted to nature.

General information
Area and population
• 16th most populous city in Finland
• Population density 31 December 2012
- Central area 85.7 residents/land km2
- Entire city 7.94 residents/land km2
• Households 30,704 (2016)

Distances:
Helsinki 815 km
Oulu 207 km

Population (2016):• 62 231 inhabitants
• Foreigners: 2.5% of the population

Decision-making and municipal administration

Rovaniemi City Council
Centre Party 16 seats
National Coalition Party 10
Social Democratic Party of Finland 10
Left Alliance 6
True Finns 4
Green League 3
Christian Democrats 2
Total 51

Chairperson of the city Council: Heikki Autto, National Coalition Party

Rovaniemi City Board
Centre Party 4
National Coalition Party 3
Social Democratic Party of Finland 2
True Finns 1
Left Alliance 1
Total 11